Several underprivileged youngsters from Hebei Province, north China, spent their Children's Day festival in Moscow on June 1, as participants of "Spring Bud Plan" charity exchange. The children were accompanied by their teachers and children's charity organizers, and arrived in Russia on May 28.

The exchange activity was initiated between the China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) and the Russia Children and Teenagers' Fund (RCTF). The visits aimed to help the development of children from both countries.

Chinese staff said that this was the first time they had organized children to go to Russia for an exchange visit. Hopefully, through this event, they could open their minds, widen their scopes, acquire knowledge and make many new friends, they added.

The children visited museums, watched puppet shows and visited peers from local schools on May 29 and 30. Afterwards, the delegation attended the "Celebration Concert" at the Moscow Theater, watched an opera, and toured the Moskva River on the following day. On June 1, they went to the Kremlin, Alexander Garden and Red Square, enjoying a special Children's Day in the Russian capital.

Some of the children said that it was their first time abroad, which was an exciting experience, full of happiness. The change in environment impressed them greatly and such a trip would be quite helpful and meaningful in their growth.

On the previous week from May 18-24, eight Russian orphans led by the president of RCTF visited China and took part in activities there.

(Source: CCTF/Edited and translated by Women of China)